The U18 Mens champions are Richmond!

Richmond Volleyball Club won the Men’s U18 national title after defeating EBC Greenhouse in straight sets.

It means the London-based club are dominating the junior men’s game, as they added the U18 title to the U16 boy’s championship they had won earlier in the day.

Head coach Luis Bello’s team raced out of the blocks into a 6-2 lead, with some impressive serving from Joaquin Bello who was so accurately serving down the line.

To add to their attacking power, Richmond were relentless in defence, picking up lost causes and digging well to set up more attacks. Captain Javier Bello at his smooth best in his role as setter.

Nasir Khan and Daniel Thompson were leading the resistance for EBC but Richmond headed into the business end the set 22-16 up. Noah Goalen was in great hitting form as he put away most of his chances. So it was no surprise to see it was him who sealed the set with another thunderous spike down the centre of the court to win it 25-16.

EBC rallied in the second and Richmond looked unsettled in the earlier part of the second set. Richmond recovered well though and took complete control of the match as the wracked up the points to lead 17-11. Richmond showed the depth of quality of their squad as Cade Thune and Joseph Farren came on to court and impressed as replacements.

EBC just couldn’t gain any service pressure to force their way into the match and this was underline as a serve went into the net to give Richmond the second set 25-15.

In the third EBC made another bright start, lead by captain Dimetrie Grey. But Richmond were not to be stopped. Jonathan Drysdale-Anderson was hitting well, as was Julien Cassens who was excellent throughout.

Javier Bello, who was also named as MVP, lead his team to glory as they sealed the final set 25-19.